UEFA fines Spanish, Russian federations over fans racist behavior

PanARMENIAN.Net - UEFA has handed out fines to the Spanish and Russian football federations in the latest punishments relating to racist behavior of fans at Euro 2012, espnstar.com reported.

The Football Union of Russia, which has already been hit with a number of sanctions during the tournament due to the unruly behavior of travelling supporters, was fined 30,000 euros (£24,000) after chants were directed at the Czech Republic's Theodor Gebre Selassie when the side's met on June 8 in Wroclaw.

A 20,000 euro (£16,000) fine is the first punishment to be meted out to the Spanish Football Federation during the tournament, and comes after its fans directed abuse towards Italy striker Mario Balotelli on June 10.

A statement from UEFA said: "The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body have imposed fines of 20,000 and 30,000 euros respectively, on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Football Union of Russia (RFS).

"The sanction of 20,000 euros against the RFEF has been imposed for the improper conduct of its fans (racist behavior, racist chanting) during the UEFA Euro 2012 Group C fixture against Italy in Gdansk on June 10. An appeal can be lodged against this decision within 24 hours of the dispatch of the written decision.

"The RFS has been fined 30,000 euros for the improper conduct of its fans (racist behavior, racist chanting) at the Group A game against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw on June 8. An appeal may be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the full written decision."